Why Every Author Should be a Reader
And my favorite writing books
All authors need to be readers, too.
That’s a bold statement, but it’s one I stand by. Reading not only enriches our lives but also makes us better writers. It sharpens our skills, sparks our creativity, and helps us understand our craft on a deeper level.
We need to read widely, not only books in the genres we write but in others as well. Reading within our genre keeps us tuned in to what readers enjoy and expect. Meanwhile, exploring other genres expands our creative horizons, inspiring us with fresh ideas to incorporate into our stories.
Then there are books about writing itself. These help us hone our craft, master storytelling techniques, and tackle the many tasks authors face beyond the blank page.
Becoming a great writer takes time, practice, and intentional learning. Looking back, I see how much I’ve grown as an author since publishing my first book in 2014. Comparing my earlier work to my current writing shows my growth and continued learning.
Whether we write part-time or full-time, being an author is a job, and like any job, we improve by learning and refining our skills.
Today, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite books for authors. Each of these has shaped me in some way, and I hope they’ll be as helpful to you as they’ve been to me.
10 Writing Books Every Author Should Read
1. On Writing by Stephen King
This classic is part memoir, part writing guide. Stephen shares his journey to becoming an author, his struggles, and the lessons he’s learned, all while offering practical advice to avoid common pitfalls.
I’ve read On Writing multiple times, and I gain something new with each reread. It’s a staple recommendation in writing communities for a reason—it’s timeless.
2. The Miracle Morning for Writers by Hal Elrod
Hal’s The Miracle Morning series transformed my mornings. In the writer-specific version, he introduces the SAVERS method (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, Scripting), designed to help authors build a productive routine.
Before reading this book, I wasn’t a morning person. After committing to these habits for a year, I developed a morning routine that still shapes my days.
(Note: Read the original The Miracle Morning before diving into this version.)
3. Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes
If you’re a romance author, this is a must-read. Gwen breaks down the beats of a successful romance story in a way that’s concise and easy to follow. I reference this book regularly when plotting.
4. Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Based on Blake Snyder’s screenwriting guide, Jessica adapts the Save the Cat method for novelists, outlining 15 story beats with examples from popular books.
If you’re a plotter, this book is invaluable for structuring your story before you start writing.
5. Take Off Your Pants! by Libby Hawker
This is a great resource for writers who prefer a looser approach to planning their stories. Libby’s guide bridges the gap between plotting and pantsing with actionable advice for creating compelling narratives.
6. Super Structure by James Scott Bell
James offers another perspective on structuring your story. While I don’t reference it as often as some other books, it’s still a solid resource for plot development.
7. Write a Novel in 10 Minutes a Day by Katharine Grubb
Are you struggling to balance writing with a busy schedule? Katharine’s book is a practical guide to making progress in small increments.
I discovered her through the 10-Minute Novelists Facebook group and was thrilled to get an autographed copy of this book. It’s full of actionable tips for fitting writing into even the busiest days.
8. The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman
This isn’t a book you read cover to cover—it’s a resource you’ll turn to again and again. Angela lists over 100 emotions and provides examples of how they can manifest in a character’s actions, expressions, and thoughts.
It’s an indispensable tool for bringing your characters to life. I also recommend checking out the other books in this series.
9. GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon
While this book is no longer available in paperback, the ebook version is still worth picking up. I bought this book based on Sarra Cannon’s recommendation and have found it to be an excellent guide for ensuring my characters’ goals, motivations, and conflicts move their story forward.
10. Dear Writer, You Need to Quit by Becca Syme
Becca’s book is all about mindset. Writing can feel overwhelming, and this book offers a refreshing dose of honesty and encouragement for authors at every stage of their journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years, I hope this list gives you a mix of inspiration and practical tools to enhance your craft.
What writing books have made an impact on you? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!